Learn About the Types of Candle Wax
By Peter C. Daniels
Early candle makers utilize tallow, a form of animal fat which was eventually replaced by other types of waxes as this gives of a foul smell and gives off black soot when burning. Eventually, as time passed by, other natural waxes gave way to better alternatives to this wax archetype. The following are descriptions of modern waxes and their characteristics to help beginner candle makers achieve their desired candle outcome.
Paraffin is the most popular type of petroleum based wax used to make candles. This could be brought in bulks or powder form and are very inexpensive. One could even buy paraffin at different melting point qualities or hardness degrees. An advantage when it comes to paraffin wax is its neutrality. This means that one could add preferred fragrances and colour hues in the paraffin mixture if they aren’t already included.
Coming from the more expensive line of candles wax is the beeswax which is quite popular due to its sweet smell. This also burns without soot and lasts longer. This wax is obtained from bees’ hives and comes in the form of blocks and sheets. Its melting point is 150 degrees Fahrenheit and it tends to be very sticky.
Another luxurious type of wax is the bayberry wax which was a primary alternative made by American colonists to replace the tallow. This has a natural scent in it and is coloured a deep shade of olive green. What makes it so expensive is that it takes about fifteen pounds of the combination of the Northern and Southern bayberry to make one pound of bayberry wax.
A particular type of wax suitable for individuals with allergies is the soybean type. As compared with paraffin, they last longer and are fitting to be made as aromatherapy candles. However, one needs to put in lots of hardening additives or a candle container as this wax is very soft. The palm wax is also similar to the soy wax by virtue of its longer lasting burning effect.
Furthermore, gel waxes are one of the most difficult to melt and are not suitable for novice candle makers due to its explosive characteristic. Its raw materials stem from plastic polymer and mineral oils which explains the bubbles it has and is suitable for added decoration due to its transparent appearance.
On the other hand, jelly candle and wax crystals are simple wax types and could be used by children since it does not require heating. The former could be used in tea lights and has a gel like texture.
Decorative waxes like starburst wax and microcrystalline wax is often recommended to candle makers who have had enough practice as these helps improve candle appearance and reduce pillar mottling.
Peter Daniels Is A Candle Making Expert. To Get More Great Tips On Soy Candle Wax Visit http://www.candleinsider.com/
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